As promised, the 21st has arrived and we shall now begin our tour of EPCOT!
Isn’t it fascinating – the lives we live? Ours is a world full of discovery and innovation. As history has gone on, we've made so many new things that have helped our lives, and we have learned so much about the people who live the world over. The rich tapestry of the human race – its inventions, its cultures, its food – combined with the wonders of the natural world is something worth celebrating. And that is exactly what we shall do when we step inside Walt Disney World’s glorious second gate: EPCOT.
The sun rises high over the Floridian skies. The monorail pulls into the station of Venture Port, unloading the day’s first group of guests, ready to explore EPCOT. EPCOT tells the story of our world’s greatest resource: its people. People from the past, present and future, and all across the globe, are in showcase in this inspired tribute to our beloved planet and the varied achievements of mankind – and nature – that have since been (or will be) established. Its four distinct districts are ready for guests to come and explore them, to learn about our planet and its many wonderful and natural resources, and what we can do to make sure it can be sustained for future generations. Beauty is the most significant thing stressed in EPCOT. Everything here focuses on the natural, cultural and technological wonders of the Earth.
As everyone knows, any day at EPCOT begins at World Bridge. Upon entering the park from Venture Port – the ticket stations and security screenings are set up right inside – you’ll find yourself in a natural oasis. Completely re-theming the original Entrance Plaza in 2002, World Bridge is full of water features, beautiful trees and gardens. The large, geometrical sphere of Spaceship Earth, the symbol of all EPCOT, rises high over the numerous trees.
In a style borrowed from @comics101 and his incredible EPCOT Renaissance thread, much of the concrete that composed the original structures of EPCOT’s Entrance Plaza has been removed, replaced with sleek white structures intertwined with rockwork and nature. Indeed, many of the structures have been built into the new entrance’s rocky terrain; highlighting, as comics101 put it, “the importance of finding the right balance between nature and industry.” The lush and oasis-like trees, flowerbeds and lagoons aesthetically complement the expected locales of Guest Relations, First Aid & Baby Care, and Locker Rentals, as well as two important locales.
First, on the left-hand side, is the World Bridge Mercantile, EPCOT’s main gift shop. The World Bridge Mercantile is the largest shop in EPCOT, so large that it takes up two floors. As with the overall aesthetic of World Bridge, the idea for this shop comes from @comics101 and his Discovertorium. The building itself is modeled after a home designed by the Russian design firm Niko Architect, and it rises out of an artificial hill. Its walls are composed almost entirely of glass and its roof is full of skylights, and its interior looks something like a futuristic mall, designed to be open and airy. The first floor of the Mercantile features a large assortment of EPCOT and Disney character merchandise. Items include books, slider puzzles featuring the EPCOT pavilion logos, stuffed animals, buttons, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, posters, t-shirts, and hats. The second floor of the Mercantile can be accessed by a glassed-in elevator. From here, you can look down at the first floor. Items found on the second floor include various electronic gadgets, such as watches, model vehicles, and mobile phone or tablet accessories. The second floor also features, as comics101 described it, “a new line of EPCOT products designed to inspire children and adults to discover the wonders of science and of the universe.” The World Bridge Mercantile building also plays host to Wheelchair and Stroller Rental and also houses ATMs.
On the right-hand side, Stargate Terrace is, like the Main Street Bakery, EPCOT’s location for Starbucks Coffee and other casual dining entrees. We can also find Disney-favorite sweet treats, such as divine cookies and brownies as well as Starbucks signature beverages, artisan breakfast sandwiches and a wide selection of baked goods.
Guests walk through and around the several mazes of trees and flowers, before arriving at a fountain, just at the entrance of Spaceship Earth. Atop the fountain is a tall, three-pronged sculpture, adorned with the EPCOT logo. Likewise, flags surrounding the gardens bear the twelve logos representing the pavilions of World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature. You can tell where each pavilion is located because of the color scheme: World Nature in yellows and greens, World Celebration in blues and purples, and World Discovery in pinks and reds. In fact, here is a picture depicting the twelve logos themselves…
Past this fountain, we explore the iconic sphere itself…
One of the most iconic structures in all Walt Disney World, the gargantuan silver sphere that is Spaceship Earth clocks in at an incredible 180 feet, encased within a delicate latticework of shimmering steel and fiber optic lighting. Built into the sides of this imposing sphere are two other shops. To the left is the Gateway Gifts store, which features a series of EPCOT and Spaceship Earth-based merchandise. Continuing to wrap in-front of Spaceship Earth and on the opposite side of the plaza is the Camera Center, which features specialty camera and picture products. And of course, right in the middle of it all, is an inclined ramp that takes guests inside the giant geometric sphere for a ride that sets the mood for our time here at EPCOT – the very ride that Spaceship Earth is named for.
Spaceship Earth takes you through the historical and cultural progression of the world, showing how the world has evolved through communication. The attraction begins at the earliest periods of the cavemen, who used cave drawings to communicate, and proceeds through many different eras and civilizations, from the invention of papyrus paper and the creation of the alphabet, to the fall of Alexandria and the rise of the Renaissance, and to the early-century telephones to the later-century computer, before arriving in the current one in which we live today. Set to a powerful score and featuring detailed animatronics, the excitement and majesty of Spaceship Earth is an excellent way to begin a day here at EPCOT.
At this point in our Mirror universe, Spaceship Earth has undergone a refurbishment, which opened just in time for EPCOT’s 40th anniversary. This Spaceship Earth is a fusion of the four versions that came before it. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this version weaves together elements from all four scripts, utilizes themes from both Edo Guidotti and Bruce Broughton’s scores, the screen technology of the Dench version (used to showcase a timeline and exact locations of the events depicted in the ride), as well as “Tomorrow’s Child” from the Cronkite version, underscoring a brand-new climax, a climax so beautiful and stirring, I shall wait until we get to the Spaceship Earth ride-through to describe it.
Spaceship Earth exits out into Innoventions, the fourth incarnation of the Spaceship Earth post-show exhibit space. “Innoventions” is a combination of the words “innovation” and “invention”. Therefore, the exhibits presented here are exactly that, a cutting edge glimpse into the various future technologies and ideas of our ever- and always-changing world. In this tribute to the human spirit of innovation, we discover an interactive “museum” bursting with games, activities and exhibitions that connect us with the latest in real-world advancements, as well as with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. Innoventions is divided into one unique exhibit after the next, all in focus on the wonder and imagination that we might use to better our tomorrow. In fact, with the advent of Innoventions, it was decided to expand upon the space of the post-show, by expanding it up into the former AT&T/Siemens VIP Lounge. With this change, the access points to the lounge, once hidden by walls and secret doors, became open to the public. The spiral staircases have been replaced by escalators, and the once-enclosed elevators became see-through glass elevators; both of which lead up to the new level; while the first floor gained new, see-through glass walls, so that all who pass by can see what amazing things await inside.
This sweeping, two-level rotunda is beyond imagination and everyday reality - it is unbelievable in sight, scale and design. Whirring contraptions and peculiar sculptures fill the spacious interior of this inspired, breathtaking “museum.” Abstract designs and murals, bright neon fixtures, and oddball furnishings act together in a perfect theatrical production. There are eight main exhibits on display here in Innoventions. First, on the ground floor, the Apple Exhibition – hosted by the multinational Apple Inc. – previews the up and coming best in personal living, consumer electronics, computer software, and online communication.
The “If We Can Dream It” Labs are an interactive design laboratory which enables guests to create new technology that will be useful into the 21st century and beyond. These laboratories will set guests up at specific design stations for a variety of technology of the 21st century. If you're interested in designing technology for outer space, you venture to the spaceport and with assistance from design guides, follow the “story” on each design studio to help build technology for the future. For instance, the spaceport story - a group of explorers are on the Moon and their communications are lost. You are given three options to see how you can restore the communication and you work together with friends and family to try and solve the mystery and get the communication back by creating new solutions to the problems. It’s an interactive exhibit that actually requires critical thinking skills and deductive reasoning, making it a unique location in EPCOT and something that embodies the edutainment values of the original theme park.
City Builders allows its guests to sit at design stations and essentially build a city from the ground up. Starting in the current year and working your way up 100 years, you’ll be able to create your own city using futuristic designs and your own customized layouts. Situated nearby is the first meet ‘n’ greet found here at EPCOT. Baymax, Hiro, Fred, Go Go, Honey Lemon and Wasabi – otherwise known as Big Hero 6 – can be found here, meeting guests and demonstrating the latest SFIT technological breakthroughs.
In the center of the ground floor of Innoventions is an old friend from the early days of CommuniCore: SMRT-1. SMRT-1 is a purple and chrome robot set on a rotating pedestal surrounded by telephones, and he invites guests to play along in trivia and guessing games. When your turn comes up, SMRT-1 asks you (in its synthesized voice) to speak your answer loud and clear through the phone. It also spends some time ad-libbing and singing between games: “If I keep this up, I might graduate from Solid State.” Yes, this is a fully interactive animatronic, eager to carry on conversations with any passer-by.
Nearby SMRT-1 is Voyager 3, an exhibit tying in with Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan’s Voyager program. As @sshindel of the EPCOT Manifesto, a project that has inspired several of my EPCOT layouts over the years, described it on his blog, Voyager 3 would be “a series of kiosks asking people to participate in a new Golden Record project.” Guests are able to pitch suggestions for sounds to put on the record, listen to the sounds of the original record, and Disney has even teamed up with NASA and the Carl Sagan Institute to “take the best suggestions (voted on by visitors maybe?) and put them on a new probe, or have them blasted out via radio waves into the galaxy.”
Taking the stairs or the elevator up to the next level, we come across a few more exhibits. First, taking the place of the Explorer’s Lounge is Green Eyes. In a partnership with the Disney Conservation Fund, World Wide Fund for Nature, and Ocean Conservancy, Green Eyes focuses on what we can do, as well as what the world can do, to better preserve our incredible planet and its natural resources and beauty. In other words, it's a look at what we can do if we see the world through green eyes. Eco-friendly transit and food production are among the possible advancements in protecting the environment. Pollution-reducing methods and the use of less plastics are demonstrated. Diagrams and video presentations portray how, if in effect, these methods and ideas might improve our world in a detailed timeline.
In the center of the second floor is the Observatory, offering incredible views of EPCOT, as well as views of the ground floor below. For the most part, the Observatory functions as a “rest zone”, where guests can come to get a break from all the hustle and bustle of a typical day at the park. You can sit comfortably, enjoy some air conditioning, charge your phone, and just take it easy. But, in the center of the Observatory is the Globe of Knowledge, allowing guests to learn about any country in the world at a mere tap. Yes, just tap on any country on this globe and you will get a glimpse into its culture and its history. A restroom facility is situated nearby the Observatory.
The final exhibit in Innoventions is a personal favorite of mine. Von Drake’s House of Genius, which replaces the bar and Innovation Hall, is an unexpected and unrealistic delight - the kookiest and most unusual exhibit in Innoventions. Ludwig’s Hall of Invention holds a number of useless inventions and ideas - back-scratching robots, googly-eyed trash cans, dancing wind-up toys the size of a cow - you name it. Von Drake Labs on the other hand is an interactive playground for scientists of all ages to explore. Various contraptions and whirligigs invite hands-on discovery and nonsense, often at the expense of an unwilling Donald caught as the stubborn participant in the wrong place at the right time. Even so, Donald, Daisy and Ludwig himself host a meet ‘n’ greet at the exit to the House of Genius.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Thus begins our journey through EPCOT! I must say that most of the Innoventions concept comes direct from @MANEATINGWREATH's Wonders of Science from his excellent Mirror Disneyland. I say "most of" because two concepts--specifically, the "If We Can Dream It" Labs and City Builders (and technically, the name "Green Eyes")--come from a concept for a "New Horizons Pavilion", created for the 2016 House Cup Competition by the following: @disneydf, @GrandCanyonConcourse, @Fox&Hound, @Brer Panther, @Adam Snider, @deere839, @Tony the Tigger, @Steel City Magic, @Mattyice16, @DarthMileZ and @spacemt354, so all credit goes out to all these fine people!
Also, I should point out that the pavilion logo picture was originally sourced from this picture, uploaded to Reddit by an account that has since been deleted. I altered things to include the World Above, Horizons, Wonders of Life and Universe of Energy/Energy in Motion logos. Nonetheless, all credit must go out to the original poster of that picture; so thank you very much.
The next post will be out on Wednesday, and in that post, we'll start exploring the park in-depth, starting with World Celebration! See you then!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
EPCOT
EPCOT
Isn’t it fascinating – the lives we live? Ours is a world full of discovery and innovation. As history has gone on, we've made so many new things that have helped our lives, and we have learned so much about the people who live the world over. The rich tapestry of the human race – its inventions, its cultures, its food – combined with the wonders of the natural world is something worth celebrating. And that is exactly what we shall do when we step inside Walt Disney World’s glorious second gate: EPCOT.
The sun rises high over the Floridian skies. The monorail pulls into the station of Venture Port, unloading the day’s first group of guests, ready to explore EPCOT. EPCOT tells the story of our world’s greatest resource: its people. People from the past, present and future, and all across the globe, are in showcase in this inspired tribute to our beloved planet and the varied achievements of mankind – and nature – that have since been (or will be) established. Its four distinct districts are ready for guests to come and explore them, to learn about our planet and its many wonderful and natural resources, and what we can do to make sure it can be sustained for future generations. Beauty is the most significant thing stressed in EPCOT. Everything here focuses on the natural, cultural and technological wonders of the Earth.
World Bridge

As everyone knows, any day at EPCOT begins at World Bridge. Upon entering the park from Venture Port – the ticket stations and security screenings are set up right inside – you’ll find yourself in a natural oasis. Completely re-theming the original Entrance Plaza in 2002, World Bridge is full of water features, beautiful trees and gardens. The large, geometrical sphere of Spaceship Earth, the symbol of all EPCOT, rises high over the numerous trees.
In a style borrowed from @comics101 and his incredible EPCOT Renaissance thread, much of the concrete that composed the original structures of EPCOT’s Entrance Plaza has been removed, replaced with sleek white structures intertwined with rockwork and nature. Indeed, many of the structures have been built into the new entrance’s rocky terrain; highlighting, as comics101 put it, “the importance of finding the right balance between nature and industry.” The lush and oasis-like trees, flowerbeds and lagoons aesthetically complement the expected locales of Guest Relations, First Aid & Baby Care, and Locker Rentals, as well as two important locales.

First, on the left-hand side, is the World Bridge Mercantile, EPCOT’s main gift shop. The World Bridge Mercantile is the largest shop in EPCOT, so large that it takes up two floors. As with the overall aesthetic of World Bridge, the idea for this shop comes from @comics101 and his Discovertorium. The building itself is modeled after a home designed by the Russian design firm Niko Architect, and it rises out of an artificial hill. Its walls are composed almost entirely of glass and its roof is full of skylights, and its interior looks something like a futuristic mall, designed to be open and airy. The first floor of the Mercantile features a large assortment of EPCOT and Disney character merchandise. Items include books, slider puzzles featuring the EPCOT pavilion logos, stuffed animals, buttons, jewelry, DVDs, CDs, posters, t-shirts, and hats. The second floor of the Mercantile can be accessed by a glassed-in elevator. From here, you can look down at the first floor. Items found on the second floor include various electronic gadgets, such as watches, model vehicles, and mobile phone or tablet accessories. The second floor also features, as comics101 described it, “a new line of EPCOT products designed to inspire children and adults to discover the wonders of science and of the universe.” The World Bridge Mercantile building also plays host to Wheelchair and Stroller Rental and also houses ATMs.
On the right-hand side, Stargate Terrace is, like the Main Street Bakery, EPCOT’s location for Starbucks Coffee and other casual dining entrees. We can also find Disney-favorite sweet treats, such as divine cookies and brownies as well as Starbucks signature beverages, artisan breakfast sandwiches and a wide selection of baked goods.
Guests walk through and around the several mazes of trees and flowers, before arriving at a fountain, just at the entrance of Spaceship Earth. Atop the fountain is a tall, three-pronged sculpture, adorned with the EPCOT logo. Likewise, flags surrounding the gardens bear the twelve logos representing the pavilions of World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature. You can tell where each pavilion is located because of the color scheme: World Nature in yellows and greens, World Celebration in blues and purples, and World Discovery in pinks and reds. In fact, here is a picture depicting the twelve logos themselves…
Past this fountain, we explore the iconic sphere itself…
Spaceship Earth

One of the most iconic structures in all Walt Disney World, the gargantuan silver sphere that is Spaceship Earth clocks in at an incredible 180 feet, encased within a delicate latticework of shimmering steel and fiber optic lighting. Built into the sides of this imposing sphere are two other shops. To the left is the Gateway Gifts store, which features a series of EPCOT and Spaceship Earth-based merchandise. Continuing to wrap in-front of Spaceship Earth and on the opposite side of the plaza is the Camera Center, which features specialty camera and picture products. And of course, right in the middle of it all, is an inclined ramp that takes guests inside the giant geometric sphere for a ride that sets the mood for our time here at EPCOT – the very ride that Spaceship Earth is named for.

Spaceship Earth takes you through the historical and cultural progression of the world, showing how the world has evolved through communication. The attraction begins at the earliest periods of the cavemen, who used cave drawings to communicate, and proceeds through many different eras and civilizations, from the invention of papyrus paper and the creation of the alphabet, to the fall of Alexandria and the rise of the Renaissance, and to the early-century telephones to the later-century computer, before arriving in the current one in which we live today. Set to a powerful score and featuring detailed animatronics, the excitement and majesty of Spaceship Earth is an excellent way to begin a day here at EPCOT.
At this point in our Mirror universe, Spaceship Earth has undergone a refurbishment, which opened just in time for EPCOT’s 40th anniversary. This Spaceship Earth is a fusion of the four versions that came before it. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this version weaves together elements from all four scripts, utilizes themes from both Edo Guidotti and Bruce Broughton’s scores, the screen technology of the Dench version (used to showcase a timeline and exact locations of the events depicted in the ride), as well as “Tomorrow’s Child” from the Cronkite version, underscoring a brand-new climax, a climax so beautiful and stirring, I shall wait until we get to the Spaceship Earth ride-through to describe it.

Spaceship Earth exits out into Innoventions, the fourth incarnation of the Spaceship Earth post-show exhibit space. “Innoventions” is a combination of the words “innovation” and “invention”. Therefore, the exhibits presented here are exactly that, a cutting edge glimpse into the various future technologies and ideas of our ever- and always-changing world. In this tribute to the human spirit of innovation, we discover an interactive “museum” bursting with games, activities and exhibitions that connect us with the latest in real-world advancements, as well as with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. Innoventions is divided into one unique exhibit after the next, all in focus on the wonder and imagination that we might use to better our tomorrow. In fact, with the advent of Innoventions, it was decided to expand upon the space of the post-show, by expanding it up into the former AT&T/Siemens VIP Lounge. With this change, the access points to the lounge, once hidden by walls and secret doors, became open to the public. The spiral staircases have been replaced by escalators, and the once-enclosed elevators became see-through glass elevators; both of which lead up to the new level; while the first floor gained new, see-through glass walls, so that all who pass by can see what amazing things await inside.
This sweeping, two-level rotunda is beyond imagination and everyday reality - it is unbelievable in sight, scale and design. Whirring contraptions and peculiar sculptures fill the spacious interior of this inspired, breathtaking “museum.” Abstract designs and murals, bright neon fixtures, and oddball furnishings act together in a perfect theatrical production. There are eight main exhibits on display here in Innoventions. First, on the ground floor, the Apple Exhibition – hosted by the multinational Apple Inc. – previews the up and coming best in personal living, consumer electronics, computer software, and online communication.
The “If We Can Dream It” Labs are an interactive design laboratory which enables guests to create new technology that will be useful into the 21st century and beyond. These laboratories will set guests up at specific design stations for a variety of technology of the 21st century. If you're interested in designing technology for outer space, you venture to the spaceport and with assistance from design guides, follow the “story” on each design studio to help build technology for the future. For instance, the spaceport story - a group of explorers are on the Moon and their communications are lost. You are given three options to see how you can restore the communication and you work together with friends and family to try and solve the mystery and get the communication back by creating new solutions to the problems. It’s an interactive exhibit that actually requires critical thinking skills and deductive reasoning, making it a unique location in EPCOT and something that embodies the edutainment values of the original theme park.
City Builders allows its guests to sit at design stations and essentially build a city from the ground up. Starting in the current year and working your way up 100 years, you’ll be able to create your own city using futuristic designs and your own customized layouts. Situated nearby is the first meet ‘n’ greet found here at EPCOT. Baymax, Hiro, Fred, Go Go, Honey Lemon and Wasabi – otherwise known as Big Hero 6 – can be found here, meeting guests and demonstrating the latest SFIT technological breakthroughs.

In the center of the ground floor of Innoventions is an old friend from the early days of CommuniCore: SMRT-1. SMRT-1 is a purple and chrome robot set on a rotating pedestal surrounded by telephones, and he invites guests to play along in trivia and guessing games. When your turn comes up, SMRT-1 asks you (in its synthesized voice) to speak your answer loud and clear through the phone. It also spends some time ad-libbing and singing between games: “If I keep this up, I might graduate from Solid State.” Yes, this is a fully interactive animatronic, eager to carry on conversations with any passer-by.
Nearby SMRT-1 is Voyager 3, an exhibit tying in with Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan’s Voyager program. As @sshindel of the EPCOT Manifesto, a project that has inspired several of my EPCOT layouts over the years, described it on his blog, Voyager 3 would be “a series of kiosks asking people to participate in a new Golden Record project.” Guests are able to pitch suggestions for sounds to put on the record, listen to the sounds of the original record, and Disney has even teamed up with NASA and the Carl Sagan Institute to “take the best suggestions (voted on by visitors maybe?) and put them on a new probe, or have them blasted out via radio waves into the galaxy.”
Taking the stairs or the elevator up to the next level, we come across a few more exhibits. First, taking the place of the Explorer’s Lounge is Green Eyes. In a partnership with the Disney Conservation Fund, World Wide Fund for Nature, and Ocean Conservancy, Green Eyes focuses on what we can do, as well as what the world can do, to better preserve our incredible planet and its natural resources and beauty. In other words, it's a look at what we can do if we see the world through green eyes. Eco-friendly transit and food production are among the possible advancements in protecting the environment. Pollution-reducing methods and the use of less plastics are demonstrated. Diagrams and video presentations portray how, if in effect, these methods and ideas might improve our world in a detailed timeline.

In the center of the second floor is the Observatory, offering incredible views of EPCOT, as well as views of the ground floor below. For the most part, the Observatory functions as a “rest zone”, where guests can come to get a break from all the hustle and bustle of a typical day at the park. You can sit comfortably, enjoy some air conditioning, charge your phone, and just take it easy. But, in the center of the Observatory is the Globe of Knowledge, allowing guests to learn about any country in the world at a mere tap. Yes, just tap on any country on this globe and you will get a glimpse into its culture and its history. A restroom facility is situated nearby the Observatory.
The final exhibit in Innoventions is a personal favorite of mine. Von Drake’s House of Genius, which replaces the bar and Innovation Hall, is an unexpected and unrealistic delight - the kookiest and most unusual exhibit in Innoventions. Ludwig’s Hall of Invention holds a number of useless inventions and ideas - back-scratching robots, googly-eyed trash cans, dancing wind-up toys the size of a cow - you name it. Von Drake Labs on the other hand is an interactive playground for scientists of all ages to explore. Various contraptions and whirligigs invite hands-on discovery and nonsense, often at the expense of an unwilling Donald caught as the stubborn participant in the wrong place at the right time. Even so, Donald, Daisy and Ludwig himself host a meet ‘n’ greet at the exit to the House of Genius.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Also, I should point out that the pavilion logo picture was originally sourced from this picture, uploaded to Reddit by an account that has since been deleted. I altered things to include the World Above, Horizons, Wonders of Life and Universe of Energy/Energy in Motion logos. Nonetheless, all credit must go out to the original poster of that picture; so thank you very much.
The next post will be out on Wednesday, and in that post, we'll start exploring the park in-depth, starting with World Celebration! See you then!
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